The Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita. This state-of-the-art academy, equipped with advanced training infrastructure and modern technological facilities, aims to enhance police training and law enforcement efficiency. Additionally, the Union Home Minister laid the foundation stone for the academy’s residential complex, further strengthening Assam’s security and administrative framework.
Vision for the Academy
During his address, Amit Shah emphasised that within the next five years, the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy will be ranked among the top police academies in the country. He highlighted the historical significance of Lachit Barphukan, the legendary Assamese warrior who led Assam to victory against the Mughals. Shri Shah noted that due to the efforts of the Modi government, Lachit Barphukan’s biography has now been translated into 23 languages and made available in libraries nationwide, ensuring that his legacy reaches a wider audience. He further emphasized that the academy will serve as an apex police training institute for the entire Northeast, akin to Kashi among pilgrimage sites, fostering peace and law enforcement excellence.
Investment and Infrastructure
Amit Shah outlined the three-phase development plan for the academy, with a total investment of Rs 1,050 crore. The first phase, completed at a cost of Rs 167 crore, has already equipped the facility with advanced training infrastructure. He also revealed that, in the past eight years, Assam has undergone a significant transformation, with over 2,000 police personnel from Goa and Manipur receiving training at this academy, eliminating the previous need to send Assam’s police officers to other states for training.
Assam’s Progress Under Modi Government
The Union Home Minister underscored Assam’s rapid development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing key peace agreements:
● Assam-Bodoland Agreement (2020)
● Karbi Anglong Agreement (2021)
● Tribal Peace Agreement (2022)
● ULFA, Assam-Meghalaya, and Assam-Arunachal Agreements (2023)
These agreements have led to over 10,000 youths laying down arms and joining mainstream society, marking a significant step toward long-term peace and stability in Assam.
Major Investments and Economic Growth
At the Advantage Assam 2.0 investment and infrastructure conference, MoUs worth Rs 5.18 lakh crore were signed, with most set for ground-level implementation. Additionally, infrastructure projects worth Rs 3 lakh crore are being introduced to bolster Assam’s development, making the total project value in the state exceed Rs 8 lakh crore, which will generate substantial employment opportunities.
Financial Support and Welfare Measures
Amit Shah highlighted that under the previous government, Assam received a devolution grant and grant-in-aid of Rs 1.27 lakh crore, whereas under PM Modi’s leadership, this amount has increased fourfold to Rs 4.49 lakh crore. He criticised past governments for failing to develop Assam, while under the Modi administration, infrastructure and peace-building initiatives have flourished.
The central and Assam governments have implemented numerous welfare programs aimed at uplifting the poor. For the first time, tap water connections were provided to 58 lakh households, ensuring access to clean drinking water. Additionally, 1.8 crore people benefited from free medical treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh under government healthcare initiatives. To improve sanitation, toilets were built in 43 lakh homes, significantly enhancing hygiene and public health. Addressing food security, 2.32 crore economically weaker individuals received 5 kilograms of free rice per person every month. Moreover, the government distributed 51 lakh gas cylinders to promote clean cooking fuel and facilitated the construction of 21 lakh houses, ensuring affordable housing for the underprivileged. These initiatives reflect the commitment of both the Modi government and the Assam government to improving the lives of the poor through sustainable and inclusive development.
Infrastructure Development Projects
The infrastructure landscape of Assam is witnessing a remarkable transformation with a series of high-value projects aimed at boosting connectivity and healthcare facilities, Saha stressed. Under the ambitious Bharatmala Project, over 200 km of road development is underway with an investment of Rs 10,000 crore, ensuring enhanced road connectivity across the region. The Rs 3,000 crore Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge will significantly reduce travel time between Assam and Meghalaya, while the four-laning of the Silchar-Churaibari corridor, costing Rs 3,400 crore, will improve traffic flow in Barak Valley. Majuli Island is also set to benefit from a Rs 1,000 crore investment in embankment and road construction, further strengthening its infrastructure. Additionally, a six-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra River is under construction, and Rs 382 crore has been allocated for the Majuli-Jorhat NH 715-K connection. The expansion of Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, worth Rs 1,200 crore, will enhance air travel capacity. In the railway sector, projects worth Rs 9,000 crore are in progress, ensuring better connectivity. Furthermore, the establishment of an AIIMS at Rs 1,000 crore and the construction of new medical colleges in Tamulpur, Kokrajhar, Nalbari, and Dhubri highlight the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure in the state. These projects collectively mark a new era of development and progress for Assam.
Future Plans for Lachit Barphukan Academy
The Government of Assam has undertaken a Rs 1,024 crore project to develop the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy. Spanning 1,022 bighas, the first phase has seen the completion of a five-storey academic building at a cost of Rs 167 crores. This modern facility includes smart classrooms, an arms simulator, a library, a computer laboratory, a research laboratory, a conference hall, and administrative offices. Additionally, a dedicated museum and a state-of-the-art parade ground have been established to enhance police training.
The second phase of development has been allocated Rs 425 crores for constructing residential facilities. This includes housing for 240 families, a hostel for 312 officers and staff, and a residential hostel accommodating 2,640 trainees. These facilities aim to provide a comfortable and efficient training environment for police personnel.
Dr Sarma announced plans to further enhance the academy’s infrastructure, including a large-scale sports complex similar to Sarusajai, Guwahati, a CBSE school, a nursing academy, and a skill development centre. The state government is also considering establishing a police medical college within the campus to provide advanced healthcare and medical training for police personnel.
Remarks by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma
Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarmabin his address emphasised that the academy is the first major institution dedicated to Lachit Barphukan’s legacy in 400 years. He expressed gratitude to Amit Shah for ensuring that Lachit Barphukan’s biography is now nationally recognised. He further acknowledged the Assam Police Academy’s role in strengthening the state’s law enforcement capabilities.
Assam’s Law and Order Reforms
The Chief Minister highlighted the remarkable improvements in law and order over the past four years, emphasizing a significant reduction in crime rates and an overall enhancement in the justice system. The number of registered criminal cases has dropped by 60 per cent, from 1,21,609 in 2020 to 50,215 in 2024, while pending cases have drastically declined from 1,54,280 to 14,800. The charge sheet filing rate has seen a notable increase from 47 per cent to 66 per cent, ensuring faster legal proceedings. Additionally, the conviction rate has surged from 5.5 per cent to 25 per cent, reflecting a more efficient judicial process. Crimes against women have also seen a sharp decline, from 26,352 cases in 2020 to just 5,000 in 2024. These improvements highlight the state government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, strengthening law enforcement, and ensuring justice for its citizens.
Economic Growth and Investment
Dr Sarma emphasised that Assam’s improved law and order situation has created a stable environment conducive to economic growth. The state has received investment proposals worth Rs 5.23 lakh crores during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister for their leadership in advancing Assam towards becoming one of the leading states in the country.
The inauguration of the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy is a significant milestone in Assam’s journey toward enhanced security, peace, and prosperity. With record-breaking investments, infrastructure expansion, and welfare initiatives, the state is poised for a transformative era. The commitment of both the central and state governments ensures that Assam’s youth will have unprecedented opportunities for education, employment, and a brighter future.
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